Anime has been known to put in references to other anime or just Japanese culture in general, be it subtle or obvious, and Pokemon is no different. In Kanto, they were all over the place because the creators had no idea it would reach a global audience. By Johto, they had lessened but still popped up from time to time.
In Alola, the references just increased. I attribute that to head writer Aya Matsui. We got a hint of what was to come in the Matsui-written XY115, where Team Rocket performed an Enka number before going to their regular motto.
They have decreased again in Journeys.
I think the one I find the most amusing was when a character of the day who owned a Croagunk looked too similar to the main character of Gutsy Frog and they had to redesign the character for reruns, including the American version.
What's your favorite reference that the anime has made?
In Alola, the references just increased. I attribute that to head writer Aya Matsui. We got a hint of what was to come in the Matsui-written XY115, where Team Rocket performed an Enka number before going to their regular motto.
They have decreased again in Journeys.
I think the one I find the most amusing was when a character of the day who owned a Croagunk looked too similar to the main character of Gutsy Frog and they had to redesign the character for reruns, including the American version.
What's your favorite reference that the anime has made?